Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville reintroduce bill to limit immigration paroles
U.S. Senator Katie Britt announced on Thursday that she joined Sens. Chuck Grassley, Tommy Tuberville, and six of their Republican colleagues in reintroducing the Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2023, limiting the executive branch’s flexibility in choosing to offer immigration parole. “There is no doubt that there is an unprecedented humanitarian and national security crisis at the border, and it’s devastating families and communities across America,” said Sen. Britt. “In addition to the Biden Administration’s weak border agenda, the President’s continued abuse of our immigration system is only compounding the problem. The chaotic combination of lawless catch-and-release and expansive parole practices must end.” Senator Britt is the Ranking member of the Homeland Security subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, “The executive branch’s abuse of immigration parole is unacceptable and totally out of line with congressional intent,” said Sen. Grassley. “I’m proud to lead the fight to curb the abuse of immigration parole and restore order to our immigration system.” “The Biden administration is using dangerous loopholes to let more illegal immigrants into the country,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Giving parole to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants artificially decreases the number of apprehensions at the border and instead allows them right into the country. The American people are smarter than President [Joe] Biden thinks and can see through this abuse of power. I am proud to join this legislation that clarifies executive parole authority to ensure the Department of Homeland Security enforces our immigration laws. We shouldn’t have to pass a law requiring DHS to do its job, but I’m committed to doing what it takes to secure our southern border and hold our leaders accountable.” Immigration parole was first established in 1952. It allows the executive branch to temporarily grant individuals entry into the United States on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Sen. Britt and her colleagues said that several presidential administrations have abused this authority to admit entire categories of individuals in circumvention of congressionally-established pathways to allow foreign nationals to enter the United States. Some of these parole programs were created even after Congress repeatedly rejected or failed to consider and enact legislative proposals that would have created an immigration pathway for those covered by the programs. This bill would make several reforms to ensure the executive branch complies with the original, long-standing congressional intent for the immigration parole authority. It would, among other changes, clarify that parole may not be granted according to criteria that describes entire categories of potential parolees and very clearly define what qualifies as an “urgent humanitarian reason” or “significant public benefit.” It would also provide clarity on the timing and extension of immigration parole, among other reforms. Sens. Britt, Grassley, and Tuberville were joined by Sens. Tom Cotton, Bill Cassidy, J.D. Vance, James Lankford, Mike Lee, and Joni Ernst in cosponsoring this legislation. Britt was elected to the Senate in her first run for public office. She is an attorney, former President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), and former Chief of Staff for former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby. She and her husband, Wesley, live in Montgomery with their children. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Sen. Katie Britt named Ranking member of Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee
U.S. Senator Katie Britt was confirmed on Wednesday as the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on the powerful Senate Committee on Appropriations. Britt has also been appointed to serve on the Appropriations subcommittees for Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Britt wrote on Twitter, “I am honored to be named the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee for @AppropsGOP. Together, we can – and we must – take real action to defend our homeland, protect our children, strengthen their future, and preserve the American Dream for generations to come.” “I am excited to serve on these important subcommittees, which will strongly position me to fight for Alabama’s people, values, and interests through the Appropriations process,” said Sen. Britt. “From NASA to NOAA, the Army Corps of Engineers to CMS, FEMA to the Coast Guard, CBP to the U.S. Forest Service, and much more, these subcommittees cover a wide range of unique jurisdictions that impact every corner of our state. These assignments will give me a powerful oversight platform over federal spending to ensure bureaucrats are accountable to the public and taxpayer funds are not wasted. I look forward to championing priorities that help strengthen Alabama families and communities and preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children.” “Homeland Security’s jurisdiction covers a wide range of federal agencies, departments, and programs, all with an eye towards keeping American families safe and communities strong,” Britt added. “This includes the federal entities responsible for border security, which is going to be a top focus for me throughout the Appropriations process. There is no doubt that we have an unprecedented humanitarian and national security crisis at our southern border. We must invest strategically and intentionally in solutions to secure our border and end this crisis. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we undertake this critical task. Together, we can – and we must – take real action to defend our homeland, protect our children, strengthen their future, and preserve the American Dream for generations to come.” The Appropriations subcommittee assignments were announced Wednesday morning by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), the Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the committee. “There are so many critical challenges our country faces right now, and we are glad to have this capable and committed group of Senators to lead our subcommittees this Congress and work to solve problems in people’s lives through our appropriations bills,” said Chair Murray and Vice Chair Collins. Britt is also a member of the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and Rules and Administration. The Ranking Member on a Senate committee or subcommittee is the ranking member of the minority party serving on that particular committee or subcommittee – not necessarily the most senior. Britt was only sworn in last month, so it is an honor to already be a ranking member on any committee, particularly on one as powerful as Appropriations. Her predecessor, Sen. Richard Shelby, also served on that subcommittee. Homeland Security has several installations in Alabama, including the FBI facility in Huntsville that employs 1350 Alabamians, FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, and the Coast Guard Station in Mobile To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Our congressional delegation has garnered good committee assignments
For the past several decades, Alabama’s power has been centered around the U.S. Senate – primarily because of Richard Shelby’s immense power and influence. During Senator Shelby’s 36-year tenure, he chaired the Intelligence, Banking, and Rules Committees. However, he became immensely powerful his last six years as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Shelby practically moved Washington to Alabama when it came to bringing home procured earmarked funds to the Heart of Dixie. We received more federal funding than any state in America. National publications labeled Shelby the Greatest Pork King in federal history, surpassing the late Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia. Less we forget, Shelby also had a very respected and tenured wingman in Senator Jeff Sessions, who served with distinction for 20 years in the Senate. They were a great team. In the halls of Congress, and especially in the U.S. Senate, seniority equates to power, and we had it. However, we who follow Alabama politics have been cautioning you that our day of reckoning would arrive in January 2023, when Richard Shelby retired from the Senate, and that day has arrived. Alabama will never be able to raid the federal vault like Shelby has done. Fortunately, as he was walking out the door, he brought so much largesse home with him that it will take other states ten years to catch up. Under the U.S. Senate seniority system, it will take young Katie Britt about ten years before she will have any impact and influence in the Senate. Katie Britt took office with zero years seniority, and that places her 99th in seniority status in the U.S. Senate. Our senior U.S. Senator, Tommy Tuberville, has two years seniority. That places him 89th in seniority in the 100-member Senate. However, we have several members of our U.S. House delegation who are garnering some seniority and are emerging as powerful members of the lower body. Therefore, for at least the next decade, our power in Washington will be in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jefferson/Shelby 6th District Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) has been instrumental in helping to garner extremely good committee assignments for our six Republican members of Congress. Palmer, who is a quiet, policy-issues congressman, was the founder and leader of the Alabama Policy Institute prior to going to Congress. Therefore, it was apropos that he would gravitate to the 30-member Republican Party Steering Committee. This committee has emerged as a powerful entity in the past decade. They essentially chose the House Committee Assignments along with Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Congressman Gary Palmer will serve as Chairman of the House GOP Policy Committee. He will also retain his position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. This committee has jurisdiction over healthcare, which is vital to UAB – the heart and soul of the 6th District. Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) is our senior Congressman. He got to Washington at a very young age. He is now only 57 years old and has 28 years seniority. He is one of the cardinals on the House Appropriations Committee and is now chairman of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Resources. This committee will be very important to Alabama because of the biomedical research going on in Birmingham and Huntsville. If the Republicans maintain their majority into 2025, Aderholt is in line to become Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Saks/Anniston) has emerged as Chairman of the House Armed Service Committee. This is a very important coup for Alabama and an impressive appointment for Mike Rogers. The U.S. Military has a very large footprint and importance in the Heart of Dixie. Defense dollars dominate Alabama’s economy. In addition to Rogers, two of our newest members of Congress have scored seats on the Armed Services Committee – Representative Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) and Representative Dale Strong (R-Huntsville). Both Carl and Strong are bright stalwart stars for our congressional delegation. They have also become close friends and allies. In addition to garnering a seat on the Armed Services Committee, Jerry Carl has been placed on the Appropriations Committee. He will be a workhorse for his coastal Alabama district. Freshman Congressman Dale Strong’s appointment to the Armed Services Committee is a great feather for Strong, given the importance of the Redstone Arsenal and the immense amount of defense dollars in Huntsville. Representative Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) landed an appointment to the prestigious Judiciary Committee. Alabama’s lone congressional Democrat, Representative Terri Sewell, will retain her position as Chief Deputy Whip within the Democratic caucus. Sewell will also continue to serve on the powerful and prestigious House Ways and Means Committee. The paradigm of our power in Washington has moved to the U.S. House of Representatives. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
Sens. Katie Britt and Tom Cotton move to block allowing illegal immigrant to vote in D.C. elections
Senator Katie Britt has joined Sen. Tom Cotton and a bicameral group of colleagues in introducing a joint resolution formally disapproving of the District of Columbia City Council passing legislation allowing illegal immigrants and other non-American citizens to vote in D.C. local elections. “Voting in our country is a sacred right that must solely be limited to American citizens. This should be simple commonsense,” said Sen. Britt. “Washington, D.C., and every Democrat-run municipality that wants to allow illegal immigrants to vote in local elections, is diluting the value of American citizenship, effectively disenfranchising hardworking American citizens, insulting those American citizens who came to our country legally and took the time and effort to go through the citizenship process, and undermining faith in our entire electoral system – which is a cornerstone of our nation that we cannot allow to crumble. D.C. would even allow official representatives of foreign adversaries to vote in local elections in our nation’s capital when their stated interests run counter to America’s interests. This is a dangerous, illogical policy that Congress has a duty to block.” “Allowing illegal immigrants and other foreign nationals to vote in our elections, in our capital, is an insult to every American,” said Sen. Cotton. “After years of lamenting so-called ‘foreign interference’ in our elections, every single Democrat ought to join in invalidating this insane policy.” Rep. James Comer introduced the joint resolution in the House, while Cotton is leading the effort in the Senate. The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on the resolution early next week. Since Democrats control the U.S. Senate, it is highly unlikely that this resolution will be brought to the floor of the Senate. The bill must pass both the House and the Senate and then signed into law by the President. The resolution would prevent the D.C. council’s proposed legislation from going into effect. President Joe Biden is unlikely to sign the resolution. The Council argues that noncitizens pay taxes and are thus entitled to representation in D.C. elections. Katie Britt was elected to the Senate in a landslide election last year. Britt is an attorney, the former President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), and the former chief of staff for Sen. Richard Shelby, whose seat Britt now holds. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt to serve on three Senate Committees
U.S. Senator Katie Britt announced Wednesday that she will serve on the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Rules and Administration during the 118th Congress. The three committee assignments were ratified by the Senate Republican Conference Wednesday afternoon, and the full Senate is expected to approve an organizing resolution this week. As a freshman member, these are Britt’s inaugural committee assignments. “I have always said that my mission is to ensure Alabama has the best possible seat at the table, and these committee assignments will strongly position me to fight effectively for our great state’s people, interests, and values during my first two years in the United States Senate,” said Sen. Britt. “I want to be the kind of leader who works to identify and implement tangible, meaningful solutions to the pressing challenges facing Alabama and America. I look forward to championing priorities that help preserve the American Dream, build a bright future, and grow opportunities for our children and our children’s children.” The Senate Committee on Appropriations role is defined by the U.S. Constitution, which requires “appropriations made by law” prior to the expenditure of any money from the Federal treasury. The Committee writes the legislation that allocates federal funds to the numerous government agencies, departments, and organizations on an annual basis. “There is no doubt that Alabama having a seat on the Appropriations Committee is critical for our state, and I’m pleased that we’ll continue to be directly represented in this important process moving forward,” Sen. Britt said of serving on the Appropriations Committee. “One of my top priorities will be ensuring we maintain a strong national defense and that our men and women in uniform are the best equipped, resourced, and trained in the world so that American families remain safe and free. I am going to be a voice for restoring fiscal sanity in our country by spending hard-earned taxpayer money responsibly and responsively. We need to get back to regular order and end the wasteful spending that’s poured fuel on the inflationary fire that is devastating Americans in every corner of our country.” Britt’s predecessor and mentor, Sen. Richard Shelby, served as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs plays an integral role in managing legislation that affects the lives of many Americans. These areas of jurisdiction include banking, insurance, financial markets, securities, housing, urban development, and mass transit, international trade and finance, and economic policy. “I’m eager to be an outspoken advocate for commonsense consumer protections and fostering a financial environment that promotes freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for hardworking families, small businesses, and retirees across our state and nation,” Britt said of being assigned to the Banking Committee. The Committee on Rules and Administration is charged with preparing a system of rules for conducting business in the Senate. “The institution of the Senate is important to me, and I look forward to being a champion for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the Senate’s cherished tradition of robust debate and civil discourse on the Rules Committee,” Britt said of serving on the Rules Committee. Britt was elected to the Senate in 2020. She and her husband, Wesley Britt, live in Montgomery with their two children. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Richard Shelby’s last hurrah will benefit Alabamians for generations
Richard Shelby’s last week as our United States Senator was poetically amazing. The nation watched as he gave his farewell address to the Senate. His speech was followed by a tribute from his longtime friend Senator Patrick Leahey. Senator Shelby and Senator Leahey from Vermont are best friends and co-chaired the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee together for their final six-year terms, which ended January 3, 2023. They walked out together after a lasting three-decade partnership. The national media made note of the fact that Leahey, a Democrat, and Shelby, a Republican, were the last vestiges of bipartisanship in Congress. They worked together congruently to get things done for the nation and, yes, primarily for the states they represented. Shelby, who served 36 years as our senator, retired at 88 last month. To say that he went out with a bang would be a dramatic understatement. As he was making his farewell adieu speech, he and Leahey were crafting their final federal budget. The budget was passed the next day, two days before Christmas. When the experts discerned the 4,000-plus page document, it revealed that Richard Shelby had again played Santa Claus to the people of Alabama. He not only brought most of the money from Washington to Alabama, practically speaking, he brought the entire North Pole and Rudolph and all of the reindeer to the Heart of Dixie as he was walking out the door of the U.S. Senate. The national media dubbed Shelby the “Greatest King” of earmarked procured money for their state in history. Indeed, the amount of federal dollars Senator Shelby brought home to our state as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee is historical. He probably surpassed the previous “King of Pork” for their state, the late Robert Byrd of West Virginia. In his last hurrah, Senator Shelby appropriated a mind-boggling $660 million of extra earmarked dollars to our state. Folks, that is quite an amazing, unfathomable, incomprehensible Christmas gift for our state. As I was exchanging Christmas greetings with a state senator who is a close friend, I commented about Shelby’s departing $660 million Christmas gift to the state. He quietly commented, “Flowers, that is over 25 percent of our entire state General Fund Budget.” However, if you dig deeper into the federal budget that Shelby passed, his $660 million is also met with upgrades of funds Shelby allocated in previous years to amount to $4 billion. That is more than the entire State of Alabama’s annual budget. Every part of Alabama was showered with Shelby’s gifts, which will make generational changes to our state. In Huntsville alone, Shelby has played a pivotal role in shaping this Tennessee Valley area into the science, space, and technology capital of the south, if not the nation. In his final hurrah, the Huntsville Redstone area received funds for Army research weaponry, a space launch system, nuclear thermal propulsion for the Marshall Space Flight Center, and construction of a new FBI Headquarters, which Shelby moved from Washington to the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, and several other new buildings at the Redstone Arsenal. Shelby earmarked a great deal of federal money for his home area of Tuscaloosa, including millions for new buildings and education centers for the University of Alabama, funds for a new bridge, and millions for the Tuscaloosa airport. He took care of the Montgomery/Wiregrass area, which is military-laden for years to come. This area received multi-millions in new money for Ft. Rucker for flight training and Air Surface Missiles, along with millions for the Hellfire missiles made in Troy. There is over a billion dollars going to UAB for biomedical research and new buildings. Shelby has been instrumental in transforming UAB into one of the most pronounced medical research institutions in the nation. He took care of Mobile for generations to come. There are millions of earmarked funds going to the Port City. In addition, Shelby completed his mission of building Alabama a new deeper and wider Port with a $200 million dollar appropriation for the Alabama State Port Authority. In my 2015 book, Of Goats and Governors: Six Decades of Alabama Political Stories, I have a chapter entitled “Alabama’s Three Greatest Senators, John Sparkman, Lister Hill, and Richard Shelby. If I were writing that book today, Richard Shelby would be alone as Alabama’s greatest United States Senator by far. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Sandy Stimpson: In support for the LMXT project between Lockheed Martin and Airbus
Currently, the U.S. Air Force is wrestling with the decision to press ahead with the planned competition to acquire its next refueling tanker or continue procuring the KC-46, a refueling tanker that has left our men and women in uniform desperately wanting a more reliable and capable aircraft. The Secretary of the Air Force seems unaware of the shortfalls of the KC-46, as he recently said, “It doesn’t look necessary or cost-effective as it once did to introduce another aircraft.” However, as the lead administrator of thousands of city employees, I disagree with the Secretary. I know firsthand how important it is to get resources that work to those executing the mission. The KC-46 tanker does not work. Our service men and women deserve an Air Force tanker that does. The LMXT is an Air Force-unique platform built in partnership with Lockheed Martin and Airbus. The companies announced their collaboration in January, selecting Alabama and Georgia as the homes for the program. I was honored to join Governor Kay Ivey, along with Senators Richard Shelby and Tommy Tuberville, at the announcement, which included the proposed construction of a new $400 million facility located at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. This facility would create more than 300 direct jobs, but the investment in our economy hinges on the Air Force moving forward with a fair and open competition for the tanker. The Air Force’s Request for Proposal (RFP) for the competition is expected in 2023, with the projection that the Air Force will award the contract in 2024. They must follow through on their proposed competition. Lockheed Martin will be the prime contractor and base its LMXT offering on the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), which is currently in service with 13 U.S. allies around the world. The MRTT is proven and capable, as it has been refueling U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aircraft in combat since 2015. The baseline A330 aircraft will be built in Mobile and converted to the LMXT military tanker in Marietta, Georgia. Further, the LMXT would have the greatest flight range of any tanker in the world, carry more fuel than any other tanker, and be equipped with the ability to automate aerial refueling – giving the U.S. Air Force back its edge in the sky. This state-of-the-art aircraft is the right plane for the warfighter, and we are thrilled it would be built in Mobile. When I first took office in 2013, I pledged that Mobile was open for business. We have the tools to help high-tech manufacturing succeed. Our world-class workforce produces products that strengthen national security and maintain military readiness. The LMXT is yet another opportunity to showcase the capabilities of hardworking Mobilians. It would be an aircraft built in America, by Americans, for Americans. It is exciting to know that Mobile would play a key role in building this aircraft, which would support both military and humanitarian missions around the globe. An Alabama-built tanker that delivers on its promised performance would benefit our nation’s military and our alliances while creating good-paying jobs right here at home. Our congressional delegation has been on the front lines fighting for Alabama, and I know they share my belief that the Air Force should pick the best aircraft for its missions. The way to ensure that the Air Force is equipped with the best aerial tanker is through fair and open competition. Sandy Stimpson serves as the Mayor of Mobile, Alabama.
Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby’s lasting legacy
If Alabama is prospering, thank retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby. That’s the refrain from the coast to the mountains among those responsible for economic and industrial development. While representing the state in the U.S. Senate for six terms – 36 years – preceded by work as an attorney, roles in state government, and eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Shelby earned a reputation as one who can understand the issues, work across the aisle to get things done and look ahead with a clear vision of what the state can achieve in the future. Ask in Huntsville; they’ll tell you his support of space and defense was critical to that entire region. Ask in Montgomery or Tuscaloosa or Lincoln or Huntsville, and they’ll tell you federal dollars for roads and public works made it possible to attract an automotive industry that thrives today in the state’s heartland. Ask at the universities, and they’ll tell you that federal support helps educate today’s students to meet the needs of growing industries. And ask in Mobile and hear the story of phenomenal growth at the port – how it impacts the Port City and then sends goods on trains and interstates and inland waterways to reach the whole Alabama economy. And all of them will tell you that without Richard Shelby, the economy just wouldn’t be what it is today. Business Alabama asked key individuals around the state for their examples of Shelby’s impact. Here’s what they had to say. Chip Cherry President & CEO, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce “Sen. Shelby has been a blessing to us in the sense that he has the ability to see how the different pieces of the puzzle are scattered about and what can be brought together to benefit both the country and the state.” Cherry’s favorite example is at Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal, centerpiece of the space and defense work and more recently of the FBI’s Southern headquarters. “He saw the synergies between what was happening at Redstone and what the FBI was doing” and helped bring the FBI. The move “allows for collaboration among federal partners on the same campus,” he said. Shelby, he said, “has been a strong advocate, informing his colleagues of the value of what happens at Redstone and making the case for how investment there benefits the entire country. And that benefits us as a region. “I believe in my heart that he’s more of a statesman than a politician – able to work across party lines to make a case and build consensus. That’s an unusual thing to happen in D.C. these days.” Finis St. John IV Chancellor, University of Alabama System “Sen. Shelby recognized and strongly believed from early on in his career that education and higher education were the ways that the state could advance. He has been a tireless supporter of higher education, research, health care – all of which are integral to our mission at the University of Alabama System. “It’s hard to list all the ways he’s helped advance our mission, but nobody in anyone’s memory has been more important to that.” And why is higher education important to the state’s economy? “It’s the pipeline for the people that execute our economy,” St. John said. “If we do a better job at generating that raw material, then every entity in the state is better off, every business, government, all areas of the economy do better with higher equality results from higher education. “Every time you talk to a business leader right now, the biggest problem they face is workforce. Nobody has enough people, and they don’t have qualified people. Not only are we trying to address that with Alabama students but also by bringing in out-of-state students and then working with government and industry to entice them to stay in Alabama.” Shelby’s influence goes well beyond higher education and research funding, St. John noted. “It hasn’t been piecemeal, but comprehensive.” Shelby was a family friend as St. John was growing up, and he considers the senator “a dear friend, mentor and adviser, whose wisdom I’ve been very fortunate to benefit from for a long time.” Greg Barker President, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama “We’re in a global economy right now, so having somebody like Sen. Shelby, who is a constant advocate for the right federal policies that position the United States for growth and as a good place to do business, that’s paramount.” “He was an aggressive advocate for a wide range of elements that made the U.S. a better place to live and work. That’s where you start,” said Barker, who previously was an executive at Alabama Power. “When you think of business growth and development, you have to have the right infrastructure, and that infrastructure is expensive. It takes federal money to build roads and water systems and everything.” Shelby was particularly good at “making sure Alabama is aware of the federal programs and very competitive to be able to receive federal money and put it to good use for Alabamians.” Shelby, he said, “was a very distinguished and influential U.S. senator, and that put him in a lot of interesting rooms with interesting people – and he was consistently an advocate for Alabama, suggesting that people consider it for future growth for their company.” Barker especially respected the senator’s role in getting roadbuilding funds that enabled the establishment of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Tuscaloosa County and water system funding that enabled construction of the Honda plant in Talladega County. “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration at all to say that Alabama’s advanced manufacturing success – for the auto industry alone – is due to him.” Greg Canfield Secretary, Alabama Department of Commerce “From my perspective, what’s most impressive about Sen. Shelby’s legacy in Alabama is his impact on Alabama’s economic engines and the infrastructure that drives our economy.” Canfield called out examples across the state – the port with the most container traffic in its history; the universities with
Katie Britt is sworn in as U.S. Senator
Katie Britt was sworn into the U.S. Senate floor on Tuesday. The swearing-in ceremony took place on the Senate floor shortly after the first session of the 118th Congress convened. “It was a humbling moment to take the oath of office today on the Senate floor,” said newly sworn-in Senator Katie Britt. “I am truly grateful to the people of Alabama for their trust, confidence, and prayers. Now, it’s time to get to work to fight for our people, our liberties, and our values. It will be my mission every day in the Senate to be a leader who looks to identify and implement tangible, meaningful solutions to the serious challenges and opportunities facing both Alabama and America, so hardworking families can thrive in strong communities. Looking up to the gallery from the Senate floor today and seeing my two children smiling down at me reminded me what this is all about – preserving the American Dream for generations to come. As this new year gets underway, my family and I would like to wish everyone a healthy, safe, and prosperous 2023. I have no doubt that our brightest days are ahead. May God continue to bless our great state and nation.” In keeping with traditional protocol, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, as Alabama’s new senior senator escorted Senator Britt to Vice President Kamala Harris, who administered the oath as the Senate’s presiding officer. Members of Senator Britt’s family watched the swearing-in from the Senate gallery. Almost 500 Alabamians traveled to Washington to celebrate the landmark occasion in person. Senator Britt’s temporary office space is in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Her new official Senate website, while a work in progress, is now online and active. Britt is in the process of adding constituent services to the page, which is still a work in progress. This is Britt’s first elected office. Britt replaces the retiring Sen. Richard Shelby, who served for 36 years in the Senate from 1987 to 2022. Twenty years ago, Britt’s life changed when during college, she served an internship with Shelby’s office. Later she served as Shelby’s former chief of staff. Katie is a native of Coffee County. She is married to lobbyist Wesley Britt – a native of Cullman County. They have two children and reside in Montgomery. Congressman Dale Strong was also sworn in on Tuesday. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Two new U.S. Senators for Alabama
Richard Shelby walked out of the U.S. Senate this week after 36 years. Walking out with him is almost all of Alabama’s seniority and power in Washington. Seniority equates to power in the Halls of Congress, especially in the Senate. National publications have illustrated the fact that Alabama has benefited more than all 50 states from federally earmarked funds due to one man, Richard Shelby. It will be impossible to replace Shelby. His legacy will last for generations, especially in Huntsville, Birmingham, all defense facilities in Alabama, and the new docks he built in Mobile. No senator brought more federal dollars to their state unless it was Robert Byrd of West Virginia. You would think that we would be what some say, “up the creek without a paddle.” We are a state that depends on federal defense dollars, and we have zero seniority in the U.S. Senate. Our senior Senator, Tommy Tuberville, has two years seniority, and our junior Senator, Katie Britt, has zero years. That probably makes us 50th in seniority in the Senate. However, I contend that our freshman senators, Tuberville and Britt, are the best and right choices for this time. First of all, they will work together as a team. They like each other, and deeper than that, Tuberville’s people covertly and almost overtly campaigned for Katie Boyd Britt. She well knows that and appreciates it. Primarily, Tuberville’s and Katie Britt’s personalities will prevail to Alabama’s advantage. They both have larger-than-life gregarious, vivacious, winning personalities, and in a 100-member body, this is admired, respected, and appreciated. You have some pretty big personalities and egos in that 100-member elite chamber. Shelby has shared with me in past years that you can recognize the prima donnas and show horses who are running for president immediately. Then there are those that want to be a long-term, effective workhorse senator for their state. The first group immediately starts looking for a TV camera to get in front of. The second group is finding their offices, making friends, building a solid staff, and jockeying for committee assignments that help them be effective for their state. Katie Britt Boyd will be greeted and treated like a rockstar. She is young and looks even younger than she is. She is a very articulate and attractive media subject. However, if you know Katie, she will not be swayed by this allure from the national media. She is grounded and has already made inroads with the senate GOP establishment leadership and will be rewarded with surprisingly powerful committee assignments. She will settle into being in Washington as a Senator for Alabama rather than a show horse. Tuberville is now our senior U.S. Senator. When he ran and won two years ago, most of us thought it was a whim, something he wanted to do in his later years. When you first meet him, you can gather that he is a very patriotic fellow. He is doing this for the right reason. He truly wants to serve his country. Tuberville, from the get-go, fell in love with politics. He campaigned—especially one-on-one. But, when he got to the Senate, it has been like Katie bar the door. Folks, he likes it, and the other Republican senators like him. He has really fit in. He has the brightest, happiest contented smile on his face. He looks ten years younger than his 68 years. He is always around his GOP senate buddies. He votes totally with the Republican caucus and does not seek fanfare. He knows the golden rule of politics, “Your word is your bond,” and, “You dance with those who brung you.” He knew the Alabama Farmers’ Federation (Alfa) was an integral part of his election. His first allegiance was to gravitate to committees that could help Alabama farmers as well as Alabama military veterans. He has put together a good staff. It will not surprise me if Coach runs for another six-year term in 2026. The aforementioned Alfa Farmers’ Federation is the most important lobbying group in the state with our two U.S. Senators. Alfa early and ardently supported both Tommy Tuberville and Katie Boyd Britt. Their endorsement of Britt and Tuberville were pivotal and instrumental to their wins. Both know it. Another young man named Paul Shashy was an integral part of both Britt’s and Tuberville’s campaigns. We may be in better shape in the Senate than some think. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
Katie Britt to be sworn in as Senator
Alabama will get its second new Senator in two years on Tuesday when Katie Britt is sworn in on the first day of the 118th Congress. United States Senator-elect Katie Boyd Britt will took the oath of office on the Senate floor shortly after the 118th Congress convened at 12:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, January 3. “Taking the oath of office is incredibly humbling,” said Senator-elect Britt. “As people across America approach this time of year with a sense of renewal and optimism while undertaking New Year’s resolutions, I want Alabamians to hear this commitment directly from me: I am firmly resolved to never be outworked and to always make Alabama proud in the United States Senate. Being entrusted to serve as Alabama’s U.S. Senator is a tremendous honor and responsibility. I am ready to hit the ground running to fight for hardworking families in every corner of our great state and to preserve the American Dream for generations to come.” In keeping with traditional protocol, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, as Alabama’s new senior senator will escort Senator-elect Britt to the Vice President, who will administer the oath as the Senate’s presiding officer. Members of Senator-elect Britt’s family will witness the swearing-in from the Senate gallery. Hundreds of Alabamians notified Britt’s office that they intend to travel to Washington to celebrate the landmark occasion in-person. Britt will be the second youngest woman to ever serve in the U.S. Senate and the youngest Republican woman in Senate history. Katie Boyd Britt grew up in Enterprise in Coffee County. She attended the University of Alabama where she was the President of the Student Government Association. She interned in U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby’s (R-Alabama) office and then joined the Senator’s staff. She later received a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. Britt then accepted the role as Shelby’s Chief of Staff. Britt left government service to accept the position as President and CEO of the powerful Business Council of Alabama. She also practiced law in Montgomery. Britt is married to former University of Alabama and New England Patriots football player Wesley Britt, – a native of Cullman County. Wesley Britt is a former lobbyist for the Alabama Power Company. He recently accepted a position as a lobbyist for Montgomery Law Firm Fine Geddie government relations firm. The Britts reside in Montgomery with their two children. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Richard Shelby coming home
Our iconic Senior United States Senator, Richard Shelby, will walk out of the Senate chambers in Washington, D.C., next week and come home to retirement in Tuscaloosa. History will reveal Senator Shelby as Alabama’s greatest U.S. Senator, especially when it comes to bringing home the bacon to the Heart of Dixie. To say Shelby is the greatest is saying a mouthful because we have had some great ones. Shelby will rest with the likes of John Bankhead, John Sparkman, Lister Hill, and Howell Heflin. He has served longer in the Senate than any Alabamian in state history – 36 years. He served eight years in Congress before beginning his senate tenure in 1986. Many of you have perceived, and correctly so that I admire and appreciate the accomplishments of Senator Shelby. A good many of you will be glad to see me stop writing such glowing things about him. Over the years, many of you have accused me of actually being his press secretary. My favorite restaurant is the historic Bright Star in Bessemer. A good many Tuscaloosans, especially older ones, Shelby’s contemporaries, and friends and neighbors, drive up to eat at the Bright Star. Invariably, they will ask me to come over to their table to visit. They always say, “you sure do like Richard Shelby.” Many of them are familiar with the fact that we are also friends. We have, indeed, been political friends and confidantes for close to four decades. This does not take away from the fact that, in my humble opinion, he is Alabama’s greatest Senator. The facts speak for themselves. In Washington, Shelby is considered royalty with omnipotent power. He is treated like a king. Shelby has served in the Senate alongside eight different presidents. He has been more powerful than the last three. He has controlled the federal purse strings. Therefore, national political pundits know the political golden rule; ‘those that have the gold make the rules.’ Presidents, congressional leaders, and especially powerful lobbyists treat Shelby with deference akin to royalty. When he enters a room, people stare and stand up. This is especially true when he enters any famous Washington restaurant. The maître de has assigned him the best table. When he enters the fine dining establishment, every head turns to see which million-dollar-a-year lobbyist has been bestowed the honor of dining and visiting with the king, Richard Shelby. Other lobbyists will reserve a table next to him to simply be able to say they sat next to him. However, when Shelby comes home to Tuscaloosa next month to the home he and his wife Annette have shared in the Druid City for over 50 years, his peers and neighbors will just call him Dick Shelby. “A setting sun sets off very little heat,” a “prophet is not recognized in his own country,” “familiarity breeds contempt,” and “Alabama is just a big front porch,” all of these admonitions will ring true for ole Shelby. However, I do not think he will mind. Even though he has lived his life as a public person – eight years in the state senate, eight years in Congress, and thirty-six years in the U.S. Senate – he is a private person and really enjoys his time with Annette. He will very much enjoy his anonymity. This coming home to rest in obscurity has played out throughout the years with our Washington giants. Old timers in Jackson County say that the legendary, powerful Tennessee Valley Congressman, Bob Jones, in his retirement, would go into a restaurant to eat in Scottsboro by himself, and nobody would hardly know him. I was friends with Senator Howell Heflin, who we all called “Judge.” After 18 years in the Senate, Judge came home to the Quad Cities. He would ask me to come up to visit with him and talk politics, which I gladly did. We would go to breakfast or early lunch at a downtown restaurant, which doubled as a coffee club gathering place in Tuscumbia. We would walk in, and they would nod, and he would speak, but they would not make a fuss over the former, powerful U.S. Senator. In fact, I am not sure some of them even knew who he was. Tuscaloosa is a bigger place than Scottsboro or Tuscumbia, so Shelby will be private. In the meantime, Alabamians will soon begin to realize what immense power Shelby had in Washington. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
